This Communication lays down targets for the Europe’s agri-food system for 2040 and beyond. The goal of this policy is to build an agri-food system that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, and thus attractive, competitive, future-proof and fair for current and future generations. The policy response is articulated around four fundamental priority areas: (i) building an attractive sector that ensures a fair standard of living and leverages new income opportunities; (ii) a competitive and resilient sector in the face of global challenges; (iii) future-proofing the agri-food sector that works hand in hand with nature; (iv) valuing food and fostering fair living and working conditions in vibrant rural areas. The successful delivery of these priority areas relies heavily on key supporting elements, particularly the simplification of the regulatory framework affecting farmers, fishers, other rural actors and the agri-food sector, as well as innovative solutions that promote a sustainable transition. Farmers will be enabled to earn higher revenues from the market, which will allow them to make the necessary investments to future-proof their farms and increase their resilience. This policy strongly disagrees with any practices that force farmers systematically to sell below costs. Unfair trading practices will be further investigated. The transparency will be enhanced along the food chain, including through instruments that forms prices in the food chain and support the long-term competitiveness of SMEs in the food and drink sector. Farmers' incomes will continue to be supported through the CAP direct payments. The future CAP will be streamlined and more focused to support an ambitious, forward-looking EU agricultural policy, establishing a clearer balance between regulatory measures and incentive-based policies for farmers. The use of simplified income support tools will be made more attractive and extended, with a particular attention to the farmers in areas with natural constraints, young and new farmers, and mixed farms. The opportunities of innovation will be increased to attract younger farmers and boost bioeconomy and circularity. Additional income sources are emerged for farmers through incentivization of sustainability, such as carbon farming, nature-positive actions, and renewable energy production. Significant investment will be allocated to finance and de-risk the sustainability transition of the agri-food system. Risk insurances schemes will be established for primary producers and public-private partnerships will be created to attract investments for SMEs in agriculture and food business to step-up the agri-food chain transformation. This policy also sets out actions to attract young and new farmers. Ensuring global food security and maintaining European food sovereignty will continue to be a fundamental aspect of the EU's broader security, competitiveness, and sustainability agenda. Measures will be taken to reduce dependencies on imported inputs and not to risk supply chains, while supporting a transition to a clean and increasingly resource-efficient low-carbon economy. A comprehensive plan will be developed to create a more self-sufficient and sustainable EU protein system. The Union approach to a fairer global level playing field will maintain through global and bilateral cooperation on farming, trade and food standards, and the Union framework for a competitive agri-food sector. An ambitious European risk and crisis management approach will be implemented to achieve preparedness and risk-proofing agri-food sector. The activities of the European Food Security Crisis Mechanism will be further developed to step up EU's level of preparedness on food security. The resilience of agricultural markets will be increased, particularly the EU livestock sector. Future-proofing the agri-food sector will be ensured through resilient ecosystems, maintenance of soils, fight against pests and diseases, pollination of crops, water quality and availability, clean air and climate conditions. The policy stresses on agriculture and environment nexus and the requirements of better implementation, streamlining and enforcement of existing legislation and using incentives and new market-based tools to promote change. In this matter, the policy addresses biopesticides, plant and animal health, food safety, soil conservation, pollution control, improved nutrients management, water security, as well as the protection of consumers’ health and the environment. Fair living and working conditions will be fostered in rural and coastal areas throughout the Union. To ensure the vitality of rural areas and attract new workforce in the food sector, the access to land and capital, the availability of better education, quality jobs and career opportunities, better mobility, basic health services, and connectivity will be addressed and considered in public policies. Circular economy will contribute to rural economies, in particular through the bioeconomy. A Women in Farming platform will be established to strengthen women's engagement and equal opportunities in the farming sector. The Commission will hold every year a Food Dialogue to address pressing issues with the food system’s actors, including consumers, primary producers, industry, retailers, public authorities and civil society. The role of public procurement will be strengthened to reward quality and sustainability efforts made by European farmers, food industry and services, and should provide opportunities for SMEs to participate in such activities. Food loss and waste will be reduced and valued to enable EU citizens, farmers and all other actors across the food supply chain to benefit, and to increase the sustainability of the EU food system, contributing to more efficient resource use and food security.
2025-02-19